Container and lid assembly

ABSTRACT

A invention provides a lid for covering a beverage container and having a display ramp. The lid includes a top surface, wherein the display ramp extends angularly upwardly from the top surface to define an elevated portion and then downwardly to the ptop surface. Indicia may be displayed on the display ramp for providing information to the consumer.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a non-provisional application that claims priority to a provisional application Ser. No. 60/838,236 filed on Aug. 17, 2006 and incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to covers for beverage containers and more specifically, to a cover engaging a container thereby permitting to drink fluids from the container while the cover is still in place.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of cups with lids engaging the cups are widely used today. Typically, a lid is used to cover a beverage container or cup to prevent a fluid from spilling out. The lid includes a top surface and a peripheral wall, wherein the peripheral wall extends upwardly to the top surface from a lower edge. The top surface is flat and defines a mouth opening for consuming the fluid from the beverage container. To make the cups more attractive and to use the cups for advertising, numerous display methods have been proposed by the prior art designs to provide the cup that is particularly suitable for use as a beverage or a product container, such as, for example a coffee cup, and also suitable for use as a display device to attract attention of the user of the particular cup and to promote the product and services advertised on the cup.

Various container displays, which are now in use, are limited in their ability to attract one's attention. The prior art is replete with various design of cups with lids, such as, for example, cups taught by the U.S. Pat. Nos. D500,343 to McRobbie; D413,631 to Hendler et al.; 2,120,403 to Godfrey; 5,525,383 to Witkowski; and 6,903,874 to Karterman.

The U.S. Pat. No. D413,631 to Hendler et al. teaches a design of a multi-panel display used on a product packaging. A housing includes a multi-panel member connected to and extending from the top portion of the housing. The multi-panel member is integral with the top portion and is not removable therefrom. Moreover, the multi-panel member covers only the top portion of the housing and exposed to direct view of only the user of the housing, thereby limiting the purpose of the display.

The U.S. Pat. No. 5,525,383 to Witkowski, for example, teaches a container body having a side wall. On the outside surface of the side wall of the container is a visible moire image that includes a multiplicity of visible moire markings such as dots, lines, bars or other patterns. A tubular sleeve is mounted upon the wall of the container for sliding rotary movement so that the sleeve can be rotated manually by sliding the sleeve to either the left or right about the center axis of the container wall. The container taught by the U.S. Pat. No. 5,525,383 to Witkowski is limited to particular visible moire images of the type. When in use, the images are block by the user, thereby limiting the intended purpose of the invention. Moreover, the images are not exposed to the user as the user drinks from the container.

The needs always exist for improvements over the prior art of display containers. As such, the present invention is directed to solve one or more problems associated with the prior art designs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A container, such as, for example, a beverage container, includes a lid for covering the container. The lid includes a top surface, a peripheral wall, and a lower edge, wherein the peripheral wall extends upwardly to the top surface from the lower edge. The peripheral wall defines a groove for sealing the lid to the beverage container. The top surface defines a mouth opening for consuming a fluid from the beverage container. The spout has a cap disposed thereon to prevent the fluid from spilling out. The top surface further defines a lip recess extending downwardly from the top surface and adjacent the mouth opening for providing space for a consumer's lip.

The lid further includes a display ramp extending angularly upwardly from the top surface and generally adjacent the lip recess to an elevated portion and then downwardly to the top surface. The elevated portion may extend downwardly to the peripheral wall. The elevated portion defines an apex. The display ramp defines an angle that extends angularly upwardly from the top surface. The angle compliments the consumer's point of view to allow the consumer to see the ramp from a plurality of positions. The display ramp defines a contoured surface, which is concave in shape, to provide space for a consumer's nose.

The display ramp further defines a tab that is perforated to allow the consumer to remove the tab from the lid. Indicia are displayed on the display ramp for providing information to the consumer. The indicia are an advertisement and/or a coupon. The indicia may be disposed on the lid by printing, imprinting, adhering, and/or embossing.

In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the lid includes a removable front which complements the shape of the display ramp. The removable front includes a plurality of ears in a spaced and parallel relationship and complements the shape of the channels. The ears of the removable front are disposed in the channels of the angle for attaching the removable front to the lid. The removable front is attached to the lid in any acceptable way; e.g. snapping, sliding, or latching. The removable front has indicia disposed thereon for providing information to the consumer.

In still another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the lid includes a removable portion connected to the front of the lid to cover the display ramp of the top surface and at least partially the peripheral wall of the lid. The removable portion is mechanically connected to the lid. The removable portion presents the indicia, such as, for example, an advertisement and/or a coupon thereby providing information to the consumer, i.e. the user of the container and any other consumers located in a close proximity with the user of the container.

An advantage of the present invention is to provide an inventive lid with removable portion for a beverage cup or container that is particularly well suited for use as a beverage or product container which is able to display various images to attract the attention and interest of the user.

Another advantage of the present invention is to an inventive lid with removable portion for a beverage cup or container that is inexpensive to produce, has improved attention-getting qualities, easy to use and must be durable enough to stay in good condition for a reasonable period of time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lid;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the lid;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the lid;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the lid having a spout;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lid having a flat ramp;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lid having a tab;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the lid having a removable front panel;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the lid having the removable front panel disposed thereon;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of still another alternative embodiment of the inventive lid;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective and exploded view of the lid of FIG. 9 and a display device defined by a panel removably connected to the lid;

FIG. 11 shows a side view of the lid of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 shows a front view of the lid of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 9 and the panel connected to the lid;

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of the lid of FIG. 9 and the panel formed in the shape of a housing connected to the lid;

FIG. 15 shows a back view of the lid of FIG. 9;

FIG. 16 shows a perspective and exploded view of the lid and the panel of FIG. 14 as being removably connected to the lid;

FIG. 17 shows a perspective and exploded view of the lid and the panel of still another alternative embodiment being removably connected to peripheral wall of the lid; and

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the lid with the panel disposed thereon with the lid engaging a container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, a lid for covering a beverage container, shown in phantom in FIG. 18, is generally shown at 20 in FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the lid 20 includes a top surface 22, a peripheral wall 24, and a lower edge 50, wherein the peripheral wall 24 extends upwardly to the top surface 22 from the lower edge 50. The peripheral wall 24 defines a groove 26 for sealing the lid 20 to the beverage container. The top surface 22 defines a mouth opening 28 for consuming a fluid (not shown) from the beverage container. However, it is to be appreciated that the mouth opening 28 may define a spout 30 that extends upwardly away from the top surface 22, as shown in FIG. 4. The spout 30 has a cap 46 disposed thereon to prevent the fluid from spilling out.

The top surface 22 further defines a lip recess 32 extending downwardly from the top surface 22 and adjacent the mouth opening 28 for providing space for a consumer's lip. As shown in FIG. 3, the lid 20 further includes a display ramp 34 extending angularly upwardly from the top surface 22 and generally adjacent the lip recess 32 to an elevated portion 36 and then downwardly to the top surface 22. However, it is to be appreciated that the elevated portion 36 may extend downwardly to the peripheral wall 24, as shown in FIG. 5. The elevated portion 36 defines an apex 38. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the elevated portion 36 may also define many different shapes, such as a flat portion without limiting the scope of the present invention.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the display ramp 34 defines an angle 52 that extends angularly upwardly from the top surface 22. The angle 52 compliments the consumer's point of view to allow the consumer to see the ramp 34 from a plurality of positions. The display ramp 34 defines a contoured surface 48, which is concave in shape, to provide space for a consumer's nose. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the display ramp 34 may define many different shapes, such as a flat surface 40, as shown in FIG. 5, without limiting the scope of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, the display ramp 34 further defines a tab 42 that is perforated to allow the consumer to remove the tab 42 from the lid 20. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the tab 42 may be a sticker or any other acceptable means, without limiting the scope of the present invention. Indicia 44 are displayed on the display ramp 34 for providing information to the consumer. The indicia 44 are an advertisement and/or a coupon. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the indicia 44 may provide other information to the consumer, such as a message or a picture, without limiting the scope of the present invention. The indicia 44 may be disposed on the lid 20 by printing, imprinting, adhering, and/or embossing. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the indicia 44 may be disposed on the lid 20 in any other acceptable way, including an embossing that is removable and has a perforated perimeter as set forth above.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show an alternative embodiment of the lid 20. All of the features discussed above are the same for this embodiment except for the additional features discussed below. The angle 52 of the display ramp 34 defines a plurality of channels 100. The channels 100 are disposed near the peripheral wall 24 and extend away from the mouth opening 28 in a spaced and parallel relationship. However, it is to be appreciated that the channels 100 may be disposed anywhere on the display ramp 34. The lid 20 includes a removable front 102 which complements the shape of the display ramp 34. The removable front 102 includes a plurality of ears 104 in a spaced and parallel relationship and complements the shape of the channels 100. The ears 104 of the removable front 102 are disposed in the channels 100 of the angle 52 for attaching the removable front 102 to the lid 20. It is to be appreciated that the removable front 102 may be attached to the lid 20 in any acceptable way; e.g. snapping, sliding, or latching. The removable front 102 has indicia 44 disposed thereon for providing information to the consumer.

FIGS. 11 through 18 illustrate various other alternative embodiment of the lid 20. All of the features discussed above are the same for this embodiment except for the additional features discussed below. The angle 52 of the display ramp 34 defines a plurality of female connectors 200. The peripheral wall 24 also defined the female connectors 200. The connectors 200 extend away from the mouth opening 28 in a spaced relationship. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the connectors 200 may be disposed anywhere on the display ramp 34. The lid 20 includes a removable front 202 which complements the shape of the display ramp 34. The removable front 202 includes a plurality of male connectors 204 in a spaced relationship to complement the shape of the female connectors 200. The male connectors 204 of the removable front 202 are disposed in the female connectors 200 of the angle 52 for attaching the removable front 202 to the lid 20. It is to be appreciated that the removable front 202 may be attached to the lid 20 in any acceptable way; e.g. snapping, sliding, or latching. The removable front 202 has indicia 44 disposed thereon for providing information to the consumer.

FIG. 17 shows still another alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein a peripheral display ramp, generally indicated at 210, is connected to the peripheral wall 24 and defines the male connectors 204. The male connectors 204 of the peripheral display ramp 210 are disposed in the female connectors 200 of the peripheral wall 24 for attaching the peripheral display ramp 210 to the lid 20. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the removable peripheral display ramp 210 may be attached to the lid 20 in any acceptable way; e.g. snapping, sliding, or latching. The peripheral display ramp 210 has indicia 44 disposed thereon for providing information to the consumer.

FIGS. 16 and 18 show still another alternative embodiment of the present invention including a display element, generally indicated at 300, mechanically and removable connected to the lid 20. The display element 300 extends at least partially along the display ramp 34 and the peripheral wall 24 thereby displaying information to the consumer as the consumer uses the container, shown in phantom in FIG. 18, and/or the container is not in use and located remotely from the consumer. A peripheral portion 302 is integral with a front portion 304 of the display element 300 to define a housing 306 therewith to at least partially engage the peripheral wall 24 and the display ramp 34 of the lid 20. The display element 300 is connected to the peripheral wall 24 and the top surface 22 by the male connectors 308 formed therein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the removable display element 300 may be attached to the lid 20 in any acceptable way; e.g. snapping, sliding, or latching. The display element 300 has indicia 44 disposed thereon for providing information to the consumer.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A container assembly for holding a fluid therein by a consumer, said container assembly comprising: a container; a lid covering said container, said lid presenting a top surface and a peripheral wall defining a groove for sealing said lid to said container; and a display element mechanically and removable connected to said lid with said display element extending at least partially along said top surface and said peripheral wall thereby displaying information on said display element to the consumer as the consumer uses said container and as said container is not in use and located remotely from the consumer.
 2. A container assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said display element is further defined by a front portion having a plurality of first connectors defined therein.
 3. A container assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said top portion of said lid includes a plurality of second connectors other than said first connectors to mechanically engage said first connectors as said display element is assembled with said lid.
 4. A container assembly as set forth in claim 3 including a peripheral portion being integral with said front portion to define a housing therewith to at least partially engage said peripheral wall and said top surface of said lid.
 5. A container assembly as set forth in claim 4 including a plurality of said second connectors defined in said peripheral portion to mechanically engage said peripheral wall of said lid as said display element is assembled with said lid.
 6. A container assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said peripheral wall extends upwardly to said top surface.
 7. A container assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said top surface defines a mouth opening for consuming fluid from said container.
 8. A container assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said top surface defines a lip recess extending downwardly from said top surface adjacent said mouth opening.
 9. A container assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said top surface further includes a display ramp extending angularly upwardly from said top surface generally adjacent said lip recess to an elevated portion and then downwardly to said top surface. 